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Benjamin Alvord, Brigadier General of Volunteers in Department of Oregon, letter to Idaho Territorial Governor, William Henson Wallace, requesting more troops and military settlements in Idaho and Washington territories, December 14, 1863

Head Quarter District of OregonFort Vancouver, W. T.December 14. 1863.

Sir,I write this communication to recommend that a force be sent next spring from Missouri to occupy the Beaver Head, Big Hole and Bitter Root country in Idaho Territory. These settlements are near the base of the Rocky Mountains on each side. There is now a population of several thousand souls there, who are entitled to protection from the Indians. Rich gold mines in that region are constantly being discovered, and the population will rapidly increase.

This District embraces the region west of the Rocky Mountains. A portion of the force sent should occupy some point in the Bitter Root Country, probably at the Flathead Indian Agency, which is now in my District. But the troops sent there should be in the same Military Department as the troops at Beaver Head and Fort Laramie, and therefore expressly excepted in orders from my District.

This force should be raised in some of the Northwestern states. Not a soldier can be spared from this quarter for the force here is wholly inadequate, and fast dwindling away by desertion and other causes.

I think there should be sent about 12 or 15 Companies, two thirds of them mounted, and the remainder

Head Quarter District of OregonFort Vancouver, W. T.December 14. 1863.

Sir,I write this communication to recommend that a force be sent next spring from Missouri to occupy the Beaver Head, Big Hole and Bitter Root country in Idaho Territory. These settlements are near the base of the Rocky Mountains on each side. There is now a population of several thousand souls there, who are entitled to protection from the Indians. Rich gold mines in that region are constantly being discovered, and the population will rapidly increase.

This District embraces the region west of the Rocky Mountains. A portion of the force sent should occupy some point in the Bitter Root Country, probably at the Flathead Indian Agency, which is now in my District. But the troops sent there should be in the same Military Department as the troops at Beaver Head and Fort Laramie, and therefore expressly excepted in orders from my District.

This force should be raised in some of the Northwestern states. Not a soldier can be spared from this quarter for the force here is wholly inadequate, and fast dwindling away by desertion and other causes.

I think there should be sent about 12 or 15 Companies, two thirds of them mounted, and the remainder